Patriarch Alexii II Blesses the Temple of Alexander Nevsky in Petrozavodsk
PETROZAVODSK, June 3. /The Itar-Tass corr. Vladimir Zlobin, Olga Kostromina/. Today Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia has blessed one of the largest cathedrals in the north-west named after Alexander Nevsky. The cathedral has been recently restored and opened its doors for parishioners. It was closed down 70 years ago by Bolshevik's` power, and a folk lore museum was housed here. Now the cathedral is restored as beautiful as it used to be and services are held here.
Commenting upon the event, the Head of the Government of the Republic of Karelia Sergey Katanandov said: "The revival of the architectural and spiritual monument is a clear evidence of change of the character of the state-church relations in Russia. This is a visible symbol of the common goal to serve Motherland, Church of Christ and our people."
Sergey Katanandov expressed his gratitude to the Holiest Patriarch that in spite of his tough schedule he found a chance to make a trip to the Republic of Karelia.
Pariarch Alexii the Second Visited a Valaam Monk's Exhibition in Petrozavodsk
PETROZAVODSK, June 3. /The Itar-Tass corr. Vladimir Zlobin, Olga Kostromina/.Today Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia has visited the photo-exhibition of the monk Savvatii (Sergey Sevostyanov in the world) of Svyato-Preobrazhensky monastery located on the island of Valaam. The opening ceremony was timed with the visit of the head of Russian orthodox church.
The name of the exhibition "The Light of Valaam" reminded the Patriarch of the unforgettable years of his childhood. He was 9 when he with his parents went on pilgrimage to the Holy island. "I was indelibly impressed by Valaam and the pilgrimage pre-determined my future in many ways,"- Alexii II said to the Itar-Tass correspondent.
The monk Savvatii is sort of chronicler of the monastery. He has been fond of taking pictures since his childhood. Then he took pictures for church, and it resulted in his coming to the monastery. 64 photos are exhibited. All the images are united by spiritual maturity. The nature of Valaam island is marked by truly
biblical grandeur. A special theme of the exhibition is devoted to monks' worship hours.
Pariarch Alexii was awarded with a title of Honorary Professor of Petrozavodsk State University
PETROZAVODSK, June 3. /The Itar-Tass corr. Vladimir Zlobin, Olga Kostromina/. Patriarch came to the Republic of Karelia to bless the ancient temple named after Alexander Nevsky. The temple has been recently restored and open its doors for parishioners. It was closed down 70 years ago by bolsheviks' power, and a folk lore museum was housed here. Now the cathedral is restored as beautiful as it used to be and services are held here.
Then Patriarch delivered a lecture at Petrozavodsk State University. The title of the lecture was: "Spiritual growth and development". After the lecture he was awarded with a title of Honorary Professor of Petrozavodsk State University.
Patriarch met with professors and students of Petrozavodsk State University. He thanked rector Victor Vasilyev and the academic council cordially for their considerate attention and said that the rank of honorary professor of the university is a great honor to him.
Alexii II called the youth to learn orthodox culture. "This is a great treasure of the recently unknown to youth spiritual riches,-he said. "In a number of institutions of higher learning theological departments or orthodox culture has been recently opened. It helps grow spiritually". Patriarch also wished the university to enlighten the students about the Orthodox Church. It will certainly enrich the youth with new knowledge of the history of Russia.
Alexii II marked with satisfaction that church historians and worldly scholars have been actively interacting lately. The result of their joint work is the first volume of orthodox encyclopaedia. All in all 25 volumes are supposed to be published.
On Sunday Patriarch is going to Kizhi island. There he will serve the liturgy in the Temple of God's Mother of Kizhsky parish.
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